About this product

Product Information

Help keep your fingers moving quickly and smoothly day after day with a split-style keyboard like the Kinesis Advantage KB500USB-BLK Wired Keyboard. The Kinesis KB500USB-BLK Advantage contoured keyboard uses ergonomics to minimize the strain on your fingers and wrists. Created with two separate left and right-hand bays for the keys, this keyboard features a very ergonomic design. The Kinesis Advantage is still organized in the standard QWERTY layout, so you don't have to learn a new system. It simply keeps your wrists farther apart while you're typing and helps your forearms and elbows stay straight. Two smaller panels toward the front of the Kinesis Advantage keyboard provide a comfortable area for your thumbs to work. Each thumb pad includes the Enter, Space, Backspace, Delete, and the combination options, Control and Alt, for your convenience. The function keys are split between the two sides. This lessens the strain on the pinky fingers by allowing the stronger thumbs to handle these keys. Rather than a traditional horizontal layout, these keys are arranged in vertical positions. You'll find the Kinesis keyboard better fits the natural movement of your fingers and thumbs. The Kinesis Advantage also comes with self-adhesive palm supports that you can use to reduce bending of the wrists.Some people find that using this Kinesis Advantage keyboard may feel odd at first due to its dramatically different design. However, you'll quickly notice the difference the ergonomic shape makes by reducing the strain you feel when typing. Concave key wells on the Kinesis Advantage keyboard help to limit the amount of pinky and index finger extension needed. They also encourage the hands to rest in a more natural curved position. In fact, 20-degree tenting at the thumb side of the Kinesis Advantage keyboard puts the hand into a neutral 'handshake' position. You'll find that you are not only more efficient, but you also experience less static muscle tension and forearm pronation.A unique, low-force tactile switch indicates when a key is activated. First invented in 1992 for Kinesis, this Advantage keyboard switch helps prevent the user from fully depressing each key. The ergonomic design cuts down on the potential for hard impact that can hurt the joints and cause pain. The Kinesis Advantage also boasts an optional electronic key click that sounds as soon as you hit a key. This further helps prevent users from fully bottoming out when typing. Large keys on the Kinesis Advantage keyboard are also easier to see and use. However, this ergonomic Kinesis keyboard still has a smaller footprint compared to traditional keyboards. You'll be able to save essential space on your computer desk. A bold blue sculpted home row on each Kinesis contoured ergonomic keyboard panel helps you get used to using this keyboard. Furthermore, it features 2MB of on-board memory for creating custom options. Program the Kinesis Advantage to include the shortcuts you need with SmartSet Programming. These included software accessories allows users to set macros, remap a function key, create custom layouts, program international letters, and just switch between QWERTY and Dvorak. The Kinesis Advantage is compatible with Mac, Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Android computers.

Product Identifiers

Brand

Kinesis

Model

Advantage

MPN

KB500USB-BLK

UPC

0607998500002

Key Features

Product Line

Kinesis Advantage

Keyboard Type

Standard

Interface

USB

Features

Integrated USB Hub

Connectors

Connections

1 x USB

Technical Features

Operating System Required

Apple MacOS 8.6 or later, Microsoft Windows 98 or later

Connectivity Technology

Wired

Miscellaneous

Color

Black

Ratings and Reviews

5.0

6 product ratings

5

6

4

0

3

0

2

0

1

0

Well designed

Easy to set up

Good value

Most relevant reviews

I've used Kinesis a keyboard like this for over 20 years. It is a MUST in my life.

This is absolutely the best keyboard design I've seen in my entire life, and I've been using one like it for nearly a quarter century. The reliability is incredible, the quality stunning and versatility without peer. It takes about a month of daily use to get good at it, but I find normal keyboards very difficult to use (10 words per minute if that). I can do 75 words per minute on a Kinesis Contour or Advantage. Remapping keys is a must in my life and having twelve keys for two thumbs and being able to get rid of CapsLock and use Ctrl instead is a magnificent gift.
Also moving Esc to End at the bottom of left-of center for my left thumb is 10 kinds of wonderful Ctrl and Esc are used a LOT by Unix/Linux users.
Take the time to learn it, and you'll never want to go back.